According to a statement from LACCD, the grants will fund programs that “increase self-efficacy and develop model agreements between two- and four-year universities,” including:

ELAC’s Jardin de STEM Project: ELAC boasts the largest Latino enrollment in the state (80 percent), and the majority of its students enrolled in STEM classes are Latino (75 percent). The program identifies students interested in STEM careers and introduces extensive coursework, research labs, workshops and more.

LACC’s STEM Pathways Program: LACC will partner with feeder high schools and California State University, Los Angeles to develop a “robust STEM pipeline and transfer culture,” in an effort to help students start preparing early for careers in STEM.

LAHC’s STEM STEP (Success, Transfer and Equity Program) offers mentorship opportunities to students pursuing STEM careers. Additionally, the CC will establish an alumni association to connect students and alumni working in STEM, as well as a $100,000 HSI STEM endowment “to support long-term success.”

LAVC’s PASO (Promoting Awareness of STEM Opportunities): The program will provide academic advising and peer mentoring services; reimagined chemistry and physics courses; and an annual summer camp to help Latino and low-income students complete STEM degrees.